Laminated glass articles and process for making same

ABSTRACT

A laminated glass article includes at least a first layer, a second layer in direct contact with the first layer, and an optical property difference between the first layer and the second layer. The optical property difference includes at least one of: (a) a transmission profile difference between a transmission profile of the first and second layers in a wavelength range from 200 nm to 2500 nm; or (b) a light-polarizing difference, whereby the second layer is light-polarizing with respect to electromagnetic irradiation in the wavelength range from 200 nm to 2500 nm; or (c) a refractive index difference between refractive indices of the first and second layers of at least 0.005, wherein one layer includes a base glass composition and the other layer includes the base glass composition and a dopant in an amount sufficient to cause the refractive index difference.

This application claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 ofU.S. Provisional Application No. 61/903,611, filed on Nov. 13, 2013, thecontent of which is relied upon and incorporated herein by reference inits entirety.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates to laminated glass articles and a processfor making the same. In particular embodiments, the present disclosurerelates to laminated glass articles having pristine main surfaces anddiffering optical properties in differing layers and fusion down-drawprocesses for making the same. The processes described herein may beuseful, for example, in making laminated glass sheets for variousdisplay applications.

SUMMARY

In one embodiment, a laminated glass article includes at least a firstlayer, a second layer in direct contact with the first layer, and anoptical property difference between the first layer and the secondlayer. The optical property difference includes at least one of: (a) atransmission profile difference between a transmission profile of thefirst and second layers in a wavelength range from 200 nm to 2500 nm; or(b) a light-polarizing difference, whereby the second layer islight-polarizing with respect to electromagnetic irradiation in thewavelength range from 200 nm to 2500 nm; or (c) a refractive indexdifference between refractive indices of the first and second layers ofat least 0.005, wherein one layer includes a base glass composition andthe other layer includes the base glass composition and a dopant in anamount sufficient to cause the refractive index difference.

In another embodiment, an optical device comprises a laminated glassarticle. A plurality of semiconductor devices is disposed on at leastone major external surface of the laminated glass article.

In another embodiment, a process for making a laminated glass articlecomprises a down-draw process.

In another embodiment, an overflow distributor apparatus comprises adistributor portion and a forming portion extending from the distributorportion. The distributor portion comprises a trough divided into a firsttrough portion and a second trough portion by a partitioning wall. Eachof the first trough portion and the second trough portion comprises atop edge adjacent to a respective one of a first sidewall of thedistributor portion and a second sidewall of the distributor portionopposite the first sidewall. The forming portion comprises a firstsidewall adjacent to the first sidewall of the distributor portion and asecond sidewall opposite the first sidewall of the forming portion andadjacent to the second sidewall of the distributor portion. The firstand second sidewalls of the forming portion converge with one another ata draw line.

Additional features and advantages will be set forth in the detaileddescription which follows, and in part will be readily apparent to thoseskilled in the art from that description or recognized by practicing theembodiments as described herein, including the detailed descriptionwhich follows, the claims, as well as the appended drawings.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description andthe following detailed description are merely exemplary, and areintended to provide an overview or framework to understanding the natureand character of the claims. The accompanying drawings are included toprovide a further understanding, and are incorporated in and constitutea part of this specification. The drawings illustrate one or moreembodiment(s), and together with the description serve to explainprinciples and operation of the various embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a cross sectional view of one exemplary embodiment of alaminated glass article including a substrate layer and a lightguide/light diffuser layer.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of one exemplary embodiment of a laminatedglass article including a substrate layer and a linear polarizer layer.

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of one exemplary embodiment of a laminatedglass article configured as an optical filter.

FIG. 3B is a graphical representation of transmission of light through afirst layer of the laminated glass article shown in FIG. 3A as afunction of wavelength.

FIG. 3C is a graphical representation of transmission of light through asecond layer of the laminated glass article shown in FIG. 3A as afunction of wavelength.

FIG. 3D is a graphical representation of transmission of light throughthe laminated glass article shown in FIG. 3A as a function ofwavelength.

FIG. 4A is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of one exemplaryembodiment of an overflow distributor that may be used to manufacture alaminated glass article.

FIG. 4B is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of another exemplaryembodiment of an overflow distributor that may be used to manufacture alaminated glass article.

FIG. 5 is a 3-D view of one exemplary embodiment of an overflowdistributor.

FIG. 6A is a 3-D view of one exemplary embodiment of a trough of anoverflow distributor.

FIG. 6B is a top view of the trough shown in FIG. 6A.

FIG. 7 is a close-up view of one exemplary embodiment of a fusion regionof two streams of glass showing velocity vectors of the two streams.

FIG. 8 is a close-up view of another exemplary embodiment of a fusionregion of two streams of glass showing velocity vectors of the twostreams.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary embodiments which areillustrated in the accompanying drawings. Whenever possible, the samereference numerals will be used throughout the drawings to refer to thesame or like parts. The components in the drawings are not necessarilyto scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principlesof the exemplary embodiments.

FIG. 1 shows one exemplary embodiment of a laminated glass article orglass composite 100 configured as a substrate (e.g., an active-matrixliquid crystal display (AMLCD) substrate) and light guide/lightdiffuser. The laminated glass article 100 comprises a substrate layer(A-layer) 102 and a light guide/light diffuser layer (B-layer) 104. Inthis manner, the laminated glass article 100 can exhibit dualfunctionality (e.g., a first functionality provided by the substratelayer 102 and a second functionality provided by the light guide/lightdiffuser layer 104). The substrate layer 102 has an index of refractionn₁, and the light guide/light diffuser layer has an index of refractionn₂, which can be different than the index of refraction n₁. In someembodiments, the index of refraction n₁ differs from the index ofrefraction n₂ by at least about 0.005, at least about 0.01, at leastabout 0.02, at least about 0.05, at least about 0.1, at least about 0.2,at least about 0.3, or at least about 0.4. In some embodiments, theindex of refraction n₁ is greater than the index of refraction n₂. Inother embodiments, the index of refraction n₁ is less than the index ofrefraction n₂.

Light can be introduced into the light guide/light diffuser layer 104 bya light source 106. In some embodiments, the light source 106 ispositioned at an edge of the laminated glass article 100. In thismanner, the light source 106 provides edge illumination to the lightguide/light diffuser layer 104. A mirrorized surface 108 is disposed atan edge of the light guide/light diffuser layer 104 (e.g., opposite thelight source 106). Light can be reflected by the mirrorized surface intothe light guide/light diffuser layer 104. In some embodiments, two lightsources are positioned at two edges (e.g., opposing edges) of thelaminated glass article. In other embodiments, any number of lightsources can be positioned at any number of edges of the laminated glassarticle. The use of multiple light sources can provide more uniformillumination. In some embodiments, the entry angles of the light and themismatch between n₁ and n₂ satisfies the total internal reflection (TIR)principle as defined by Fresnel's Law.

By providing conditions to satisfy TIR, uniform light diffusion actioncan be delivered across substantially the entire surface of thelaminated glass article 100. In some embodiments, such uniform lightdiffusion is provided by microcorrugation or internally created Bragggratings. For example, in some of such embodiments, the B-layercomprises a diffusing feature such as a microcorrugation or a Bragggrating. Such gratings can be created, for example, by precision UVglass hardening or using laser inscription techniques (e.g., using asingle photon, a two-photon, or a multiplex photon absorption process).In some embodiments, uniform light diffusion is achieved by providingscattering centers distributed in the B-layer. For example, in some ofsuch embodiments, the scattering centers are inclusions (e.g., glassparticles) with a refractive index different than that of the guidinglayer (e.g., a refractive index different than that of the bulk glasscomposition of the guiding layer), air bubbles, or scattering features(e.g., formed by laser inscription). In some embodiments, the B-layer(e.g., the waveguide layer) comprises inclusions having a dimension thatis smaller than the wavelength of the guided light in the B-layer. Suchinclusions can aid in effectively diffusing light out of the B-layer.The inclusions can have a dimension ranging, for example, from about 3nm to about 1 μm.

FIG. 2 shows one exemplary embodiment of a laminated glass article 200configured as a substrate (e.g., an AMLCD substrate) and linearpolarizer. The laminated glass article 200 comprises a substrate layer(A-layer) 202 and a linear polarizer layer (B-layer) 204. The linearpolarizer layer 204 may be formed using any suitable process including,for example, drawing a glass sheet into a linear polarizer as describedin U.S. Pat. No. 4,486,213, which is incorporated by reference herein inits entirety. Non-polarized light 206 is polarized as it passes throughthe polarizer layer 204 so that polarized light 208 is transmitted bythe laminated glass article 200. In some embodiments, the substratelayer 202 is a non-light-polarizing layer.

FIG. 3A shows one exemplary embodiment of a laminated glass article 300configured as an optical filter. The laminated glass article 300comprises a first layer (A-layer) 302 and a second layer (B-layer) 304.In some embodiments, the first layer 302 allows passage of light withina defined wavelength range while blocking passage of light outside ofthe defined wavelength range. For example, FIG. 3B shows thetransmission of light through the first layer 302 as a function ofwavelength. As shown in FIG. 3B, the first layer 302 allows passage oflight in a first defined wavelength range extending from the upper endof the ultraviolet (UV) range to the infrared (IR) range, while blockingpassage of light above and below the first defined wavelength range. Inthis manner, the first layer 302 is configured as a band-pass filterlayer. The second layer 304 blocks passage of light within a definedwavelength range while allowing passage of light outside of the definedwavelength range. For example, FIG. 3C shows the transmission of lightthrough the second layer 304 as a function of wavelength. As shown inFIG. 3C, the second layer 304 blocks passage of light within a seconddefined wavelength range extending from the middle of the visible rangeto the lower end of the near infrared (NIR) range, while allowingpassage of light above and below the second defined wavelength range. Inthis manner, the second layer 304 is configured as a notch filter layer.FIG. 3D shows the transmission of light through the laminated glassarticle 300 as a function of wavelength which is a convolution of thetransmission of light through each of the first layer 302 and the secondlayer 304.

In other embodiments, each of the first and second layers,independently, can be configured as a notch filter or a band pass filteror can allow passage of light generally without regard to wavelength.The transmission profile of each of the first and second layers can beselected to produce a laminated glass article having a desiredtransmission profile.

In some embodiments, a laminated glass article comprises layers havingdifferent transmission profiles. For example, in some embodiments, thelaminated glass article comprises a first layer (A-layer) and a secondlayer (B-layer) having differing transmission profiles in a wavelengthrange from about 200 nm to about 2500 nm. In some embodiments, thelaminated glass article comprises an outermost layer (e.g., the firstlayer, the second layer, or another layer) that is light-polarizing withrespect to certain electromagnetic irradiation in the range of about 200nm to about 2500 nm.

In some embodiments, an optical device comprises a laminated glassarticle. A plurality of semiconductor devices is disposed on at leastone of the major external surfaces of the laminated glass article. Insome of such embodiments, at least part of the plurality ofsemiconductor devices is formed by employing a step in which thelaminated glass article is subjected to a temperature higher than 400°C., higher than 450° C., higher than 500° C., higher than 550° C., orhigher than 600° C. In these or others of such embodiments, theinterface of the two adjacent layers (e.g., the A-layer and the B-layer)is uneven such that light traveling through one layer is reflected atthe interface in multiple directions. Additionally, or alternatively, insome embodiments, the functional layer (e.g., the B-layer) is anexternal layer having a reflective layer disposed on an external surfacethereof In this manner, an external surface of the external functionallayer comprises a reflective surface. An illumination source can becoupled to the edge of at least one functional layer of the laminatedglass article, such that light is allowed to travel through thefunctional layer. At least part of the light traveling in the functionallayer can be subject to total internal reflection when reflected at theinterface of its external surface and the outside medium to which it isexposed, such as air. In some embodiments, the optical device is an LCDdisplay, a flexible display, a curved display, a photovoltaic device, anoptical filter (e.g., a safety glass lens), or any other suitableoptical device. In some embodiments, the optical device is subjected toan elevated temperature of at least 300° C., at least 400° C., at least500° C., at least 600° C., or at least 700° C., during operation thereof

FIGS. 4A and 4B depict longitudinal cross-sectional views of twodifferent exemplary embodiments of overflow distributors 400, or fusionpipes, that can be used to manufacture a laminated glass article orglass composite as described herein. Each overflow distributor 400comprises a trough divided into a first trough portion 402 and a secondtrough portion 404 by a partitioning wall 406. Molten glass compositionA is introduced into the first trough portion 402 in a viscous state.Molten glass composition B is introduced into the second trough portion404 in a viscous state. The glass compositions flow over top edges 408and 410, or brims, of the respective first and second trough portions402 and 404, down opposing sidewalls of the overflow distributor andonto converging sidewalls 412 and 414 of a forming member of theoverflow distributor 400. One or both of the converging sidewalls 412and 414 are angled relative to a vertical plane by an angle β such thatthe forming member has, for example, a wedge-shaped cross-section. Theconverging sidewalls 412 and 414 meet at a draw line 416. The flowingglass compositions A and B meet near the draw line 416 and are fused toone another to form a laminated glass ribbon. The process of forming thelaminated glass ribbon using an overflow distributor as described hereinis a down-draw or fusion-draw process. The fused A-layer and B-layer aredirectly adjacent to and/or in direct contact with one another. In thismanner, the composite is free of any bonding material (e.g., anadhesive, a coating layer, a frit, or any other material added orconfigured to adhere the layers to one another) disposed between theA-layer and the B-layer.

In some embodiments, before, during, and/or after the drawing process,one layer of the glass composite is essentially free of contact with anyguiding mechanism or drawing mechanism (e.g., rollers). Additionally, oralternatively, during the drawing process, the glass of one layer onlypartially covers the surface of an adjacent layer, leaving a portion ofthe surface of the adjacent layer uncovered by the one layer. In someembodiments, the geometry of the overflow distributor depends on theproperties of the different glass compositions and/or the desiredthickness ratio of the thickness of the A-layer to the thickness of theB-layer h_(A)/h_(B). For example, in some of such embodiments, a ratioof the volume of the first trough portion 402 V_(A) to the volume of thesecond trough portion 404 V_(B) depends on the desired thickness ratioh_(A)/h_(B).

FIG. 4A depicts one exemplary embodiment in which the angle β₂=0, thusproviding a maximum flow velocity for stream B v_(B). In someembodiments, to promote equality of the flow velocities for stream Av_(A) and stream B v_(B), the angle β₁ is negative as shown in FIG. 4B.In some embodiments, the angle β₁ is between about −25° and about 25°.In some embodiments, the angle β₂ is between about −25° and about 25°.

FIG. 5 shows a 3-D view of one exemplary embodiment of an overflowdistributor 500. The overflow distributor 500 is configured generally asdescribed above with reference to the overflow distributor 400, with theadditional features and/or differences described below. In addition tothe pipe cross-sectional geometries described above, other variablesinclude, for example, the slope angles a_(A) and a_(B) between ahorizontal plane and the brims 508 and 510 of the respective troughportions 502 and 504. In some embodiments, the slope angles a_(A) anda_(B) are unequal, for example, due to anticipated differences betweenμ_(A) and μ_(B) and top viscosities. In some embodiments, the bottomsurfaces of the trough portions 502 and 504 are sloped, for example,according to predictive models to promote equality of flow velocities atthe draw line 516, or “root.” In some embodiments, the brim profile ofone or both trough portions is represented by a non-linear function, forexample, to provide the most uniform flow front at the root of the pipefor streams A and B. In various embodiments, the geometries of theoverflow distributor can be selected to form a laminated glass sheet inwhich the adjacent layers have unequal thicknesses. Selecting thegeometries to correspond to the desired thicknesses of the layers of thelaminated glass sheet can enable the sheet to be formed without rotatingthe overflow distributor about an axis of rotation, or without tiltingthe overflow distributor.

FIGS. 6A-6B show a 3-D view and a top view, respectively, of oneexemplary embodiment of a trough of an overflow distributor 600. Theoverflow distributor 600 is configured generally as described above withreference to the overflow distributor 400, with the additional featuresand/or differences described below. The trough portions 602 and 604 arepartitioned and/or shaped to provide a desired relationship between thevolume of the trough portion 602 V_(A) and the volume of the troughportion 604 V_(B). In some embodiments, the slopes of the pipe brims 608and 610 are substantially equal (i.e., α₁=α₂), and the geometry of thepartitioning wall 606 inside the trough is adjusted to provide thedesired relationship. In some of such embodiments, α₁=α₂, and anotherangle γ (e.g., the angle between an axis of the overflow distributor 600and the partitioning wall 606) is adjusted, for example, to promoteuniform stream velocities (U_(Atop) and U_(Btop)) along substantiallythe entire brim of the pipe. Both cases (i.e., (a) (α₁≠α₂, γ=0) and (b)(α₁=α₂, γ=0)) can be useful because of distinctions of the glass streamsA and B (e.g., due to differences in density and/or viscosity).

This disclosure proposes to draw and fuse a laminated glass article orglass composite using a vertical fusion drawing process utilizingvariable geometries of the fusion pipe (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 4A-6B),dual glass delivery system, and duality of the trough cavities. In someembodiments, and in contrast to a known vertical fusion draw process,the process described herein comprises asymmetry of the flow A comparedto the flow B in terms of, for example, different flow rates, flowdensity (thickness), and/or average flow viscosity. In some embodiments,it is advantageous to establish at the root of the fusion pipe verycompatible conditions (e.g., velocity, viscosity, and/or temperature) ofstreams A and B while fusing the two layers. For example, in some ofsuch embodiments, it is advantageous for a ratio of the flow velocity ofstream A v_(A) to the flow velocity of stream B v_(B) at the root of thepipe to be near 1 to promote uniformity and dimensional stability of thelaminated glass article or glass composite. In other words, ifv_(A)/v_(B)=1±ε, where ε is the process induced flow rate variabilityerror, it is advantageous to minimize ε. Additionally, or alternatively,each of streams A and B comprises a base glass composition, and one ofthe streams comprises a dopant added to the base glass composition tomodify the optical properties of the layer formed by that stream. Forexample, in some embodiments, one layer of the glass article is awaveguide layer that is configured to guide light. The waveguide layercan be formed by increasing the refractive index of that layer by addingone or more refractive index raising dopants such as, for example, Ge,P, Al, Ti, or K. Additionally, or alternatively, the waveguide layer canbe formed by decreasing the refractive index of the adjacent layer byadding one or more refractive index decreasing dopants such as, forexample, F or B. In some embodiments, one layer of the glass article isa polarizing glass layer that is configured to polarize light. Thepolarizing layer can be formed by adding one or more dopants such as,for example, Ag, Cu, or Au particles. In some embodiments, glasstransmission properties of a glass layer can be modified by adding oneor more dopants such as, for example, a transition metal. In variousembodiments, the dopant can change the optical properties withoutsubstantially changing the viscosity of the stream so that the streams Aand B have the same or substantially the same viscosity, which can aidin fusing the streams to form the laminated glass article. In someembodiments, one of the first layer or the second layer comprises a baseglass composition and the other of the first layer or the second layercomprises the base glass composition and a dopant in an amountsufficient to cause an optical property difference.

In some embodiments, two streams, A and B come together near the area ofthe pipe referred to as the root. In some of such embodiments, eachstream has a different velocity as the two streams come together, and ashear layer can be formed between the two streams. The velocity of eachstream as the streams approach the root area can be determined by theviscosity of each stream. The velocity of each stream depends on, forexample, the cooling curve and the glass composition (e.g., theviscosity coefficient) of each stream; the flow rate of each stream; thedensity of each stream; and the angle between each stream and thegravity vector.

The velocity U_(s) at the surface of each stream can be expressed usingthe relation based on the Navier-Stokes equation solution of a flow overan inclined plane:

$U_{s} = {\frac{\rho \mspace{14mu} g\mspace{14mu} \cos \mspace{14mu} \beta}{2\mspace{14mu} \mu}h^{2}}$

where ρ is the density of the stream, μ is the thru-thickness averageviscosity at a given position, β is the angle between the stream and thegravity vector and h is the thickness of the stream. The thickness h canbe related to the flow rate q in each stream by the followingexpression:

$h = \left\lbrack \frac{3\mspace{14mu} \mu \mspace{14mu} q}{\rho^{2}\mspace{14mu} g\mspace{14mu} \cos \mspace{14mu} \beta} \right\rbrack^{1\text{/}3}$

As the shear layer is formed, the interaction of the streams results ina uniform velocity pattern in each stream. As long as the shear layerdoes not result in final velocity profiles with inflection points, theflow will be stable and uniform fusion will take place.

Finite element simulations have been carried out to obtain and inspectvelocity fields for a range of flow rate ratios (up to 1:10), usingdifferent glass compositions with unequal density and viscositycoefficients. Heat fluxes of each stream were also varied to obtaindifferent temperatures in each merging stream. Converged solutions havebeen obtained for all these cases.

FIG. 7 shows one example of a fusion region of two streams of glassshowing velocity vectors of the two streams obtained from a finiteelement simulation in which the two streams have different densities(ratio is ρ₁/ρ₂=1.14), flow rates (ratio of q₁/q₂=5), and viscosities(ratio of μ₁/μ₂=0.67). The temperature in this simulation was taken tobe constant at the two stream fusion vicinity (T₁=T₂). FIG. 8 showsanother example of a fusion region of two streams of glass showingvelocity vectors of the two streams obtained from a finite elementsimulation similar to that described above with reference to FIG. 7, butwith varying temperature (and viscosity) in each stream (i.e., T₁≠T₂ andμ₁≠μ₂). In FIGS. 7 and 8, the velocity vectors of each stream areplotted to show the shearing effect and subsequent evolution to uniformvelocity streaming The viscosity ratio between the maximum and minimumof the domain is about 30, the maximum viscosity being close to 1million poise.

In some embodiments, the laminated glass articles described herein canbe configured as laminated glass sheets that are substantially planar(i.e., flat) or non-planar (i.e., curved) and substantially rigid orflexible. The laminated glass articles described herein can be useful ina variety of display technologies and specialty environmental glassapplications. To that end, the laminated glass articles can be useful asglass substrates that exhibit multiple functionalities. For example, theglass substrates can exhibit one or more primary functionalities, suchas high transmissivity, filtering unwanted radiation, pristine surface,very uniform thickness, high degree flatness, very low residualstresses, chemical neutrality, or dimensional stability, as well as oneor more secondary functionalities, such as 2-D linear/circularpolarization or light guiding/uniform dispersion (e.g., due to the TIRprinciple). Thus, the laminated glass article comprises an opticalproperty difference between the first layer and the second layer. Forexample, the optical property difference comprises at least one of: (a)a refractive index difference between a refractive index n₁ of the firstlayer and a refractive index n₂ of the second layer of at least 0.005;or (b) a transmission profile difference between a transmission profileof the first layer and a transmission profile of the second layer in awavelength range from 200 nm to 2500 nm; or (c) a light-polarizingdifference, whereby the second layer is light-polarizing with respectelectromagnetic irradiation in the wavelength range from 200 nm to 2500nm. Such secondary functionalities can be optical functions that areadvantageous for substrates for display technologies.

In embodiments comprising such secondary optical functionality, a glasssubstrate (e.g., a two-layer laminated glass article or glass composite)comprises a primary substrate layer (A-layer) and a secondary functionallayer (B-layer) that can provide the desired secondary opticalfunction(s). Both layers are fused to maintain strict geometrical andmechanical properties such as, for example, thickness uniformity, lowlevel of interlaminar shear stresses, and high degree of flatness. Insome embodiments, the B-layer is very uniform in terms of thickness,which can aid in maintaining viable optical functionality throughout thelaminated glass article (e.g. by providing a lack of discontinuities oran air-gap free adherence to the A-layer).

In some embodiments, each layer of the laminated glass article has athickness of at least 10 μm, at least 25 μm, at least 50 μm, at least100 μm, at least 200 μm, at least 300 μm, at least 400 μm, at least 500μm, at least 600 μm, at least 700 μm, at least 800 μm, at least 900 μm,at least 1000 μm, at least 1100 μm, at least 1200 μm, at least 1300 μm,at least 1400 μm, or at least 1500 μm. Additionally, or alternatively,in some embodiments, each layer of the laminated glass article has athickness of at most 1600 μm, at most 1400 μm, at most 1300 μm, at most1200 μm, at most 1100 μm, at most 1000 μm, at most 900 μm, at most 800μm, at most 700 μm, or at most 600 μm. In some embodiments, the A-layerhas a thickness of 50-700 μm, 100-700 μm, 150-700 μm, 200-700 μm, or250-700 μm. Additionally, or alternatively, in some embodiments, theB-layer has a uniform thickness of about 10-150 μm, which can be usefulfor use as a 2-D light guide.

In some embodiments, the thickness ratio of the laminated glass article(i.e., the ratio of the thickness of the A-layer h_(A) to the thicknessof the B-layer h_(B)) is in a range of about 70≧h_(A)/h_(B)≧0.3, about70≧h_(A)/h_(B)≧0.6, about 70≧h_(A)/h_(B)≧1, about 70≧h_(A)/h_(B)≧1.3,about 28≧h_(A)/h_(B)≧1.6, or about 24≧h_(A)/h_(B)≧2. In some of suchembodiments, the laminated glass article comprises an AMLCD substrate.In some embodiments, h_(A)/h_(B)≧1, h_(A)/h_(B)≧1.2, h_(A)/h_(B)≧1.2,h_(A)/h_(B)≧1.4, h_(A)/h_(B)≧1.5, h_(A)/h_(B)≧1.6, h_(A)/h_(B)≧1.8,h_(A)/h_(B)≧2, h_(A)/h_(B)≧2.2, or h_(A)/h_(B)≧2.5.

In some embodiments, the thickness ratio of the laminated glass article(i.e., the ratio of the thickness of the A-layer h_(A) to the thicknessof the B-layer h_(B)) is at least about 0.3, at least about 0.6, atleast about 1, at least about 1.1, at least about 1.2, at least about1.3, at least about 1.4, at least about 1.5, at least about 1.6, atleast about 1.8, at least about 2, at least about 2.2, at least about2.5, at least about 5, at least about 10, at least about 20, at leastabout 30, at least about 40, at least about 50, or at least about 60.Additionally, or alternatively, the thickness ratio of the laminatedglass article is at most about 70, at most about 60, at most about 50,at most about 40, at most about 30, at most about 28, at most about 25,or at most about 24. In some embodiments, the laminated glass articlecomprises an AMLCD substrate.

In some embodiments, the laminated glass article has three dimensions:length (L), width (W) and thickness (T). The length is the largestdimension, and the thickness is the smallest dimension. In some of suchembodiments, T≧50 μm, T≧100 μm, T≧200 μm, T≧300 μm, T≧400 μm, or T≧500μm. Additionally, or alternatively, T≦1000 μm, T≦900 μm, T≦800 μm, T≦700μm, T≦600 μm, or T≦500 μm. Additionally, or alternatively, L/T≧300,L/T≧500, L/T≧800, L/T≧1000, L/T≧1500, L/T≧1800, or L/T≧2000.

In some embodiments, a method comprises fusing two glass layers in aviscous (i.e., fluid) state together to form a laminated glass article.Laminated glass articles formed using such methods are distinct fromknown laminate compositions, which are generally made via lamination(i.e. mechanically and/or thermally bonding a layer of polymer or otheroptical film onto a glass substrate), or by sputtering a liquid opticalfilm (e.g., a polymer) onto a substrate. For example, such knownlaminate compositions tend to lack the mechanical and thermal integritydesired for high temperature lithography processes. The processdescribed herein can be used to overcome the thermal and mechanicalinstability of known composites.

In some embodiments in which two layers in the laminated glass articleare sufficient to provide the secondary optical functions, the laminatedglass article comprises a two-layer substrate, as opposed to a substratehaving three or more layers. In some of such embodiments, the laminatedglass article or glass composite comprises a display substrate (e.g., anAMLCD substrate) that provides multiple optical and mechanical functionssimultaneously. Mechanically, such a display substrate can maintainprecisely the thickness specifications of individual layers over theentire area and exhibit a high level of mechanical integrity. In someembodiments, the laminated glass article can be used in high temperaturethin-film transistor (TFT) lithography, such as in the process ofmanufacturing AMLCD panels. In some embodiments, the new opticalfunctionality of the laminated glass article described herein enablesproduction of a smart substrate to deliver display enhancing functionssuch as, for example, contrast enhancement, lower power consumption,and/or recycling of the backlight through techniques widely implementedin liquid crystal display (LCD) TV/monitor assembly processes.

In known AMLCD substrates, several optical enhancing functions (e.g.,uniform light diffusion and recycling of the polarized light) areconducted outside of known LCD panels by a variety of polymer basedfilters. The AMLCD substrate can be “smartened” as described herein toprovide one or more of the secondary optical functions within the volumeof the substrate itself, instead of building and inserting separatefilters inside the LCD monitors/TV sets. In some embodiments, to smartenthe LCD substrates and provide the secondary optical function(s),precision glass composites can be manufactured to satisfy the desiredproperties of original LCD substrate in terms of high thermaldimensional stability, pristine surface, and very uniform thicknessdistribution. For example, in some embodiments, the secondary opticalfunctions comprise an index of refraction-mismatched secondary layer ofprecision drawn glass. In some of such embodiments, the index ofrefraction of the primary substrate layer and the index of refraction ofthe secondary functional layer differ by at least about 0.005, at leastabout 0.01, at least about 0.02, at least about 0.05, at least about0.1, at least about 0.2, at least about 0.3, or at least about 0.4. Insome embodiments, the secondary layer has a uniform thickness in a rangeof about 10-150 μm. This thickness range may enable light guidingcapability without losses, for example, through the TIR principle.

In some embodiments, a new manufacturing method comprises fusing alaminated glass article or precision glass composite that can be used asan AMLCD substrate having one or more secondary optical functions. Theprocess described herein addresses the issue of fusing at a root leveltwo streams of glass (e.g., A and B) by asymmetric geometries of troughsA and B to enable uniform flow distribution on the brims of the pipe,which is different from a process that incorporates two individualfusion pipe systems to create a three layer (e.g., B-A-B) glasslaminate. The individual troughs are fed by separate glass feedingsystems. In some embodiments, the apparatus for the process comprises anasymmetric cross-section of the pipe to compensate for differentviscosities of two glass compositions, for example, to promote equalityof the stream flows A and B at the root of the pipe. FEA/CFD simulatedanalysis has shown that two inhomogeneous streams can deliver aconverging solution and be fused uniformly, i.e. with substantiallysimilar or the same stream velocity at the root level, within a widerange of variable thicknesses at the root level.

In some embodiments, the laminated glass article provides primarysubstrate function and secondary optical functions. To that end, thethin layer (e.g., the B-layer) is optically continuous (i.e.,substantially free of cracks or discontinuities). In some of suchembodiments, the B-layer is under slight compression.

In some embodiments, the process described herein is distinct from knownvertical fusion draw processes and enables manufacturability of a familyof precision glass composite substrates with built-in multi-opticalfunctionality.

Application areas for the laminated glass articles described hereininclude, for example: (i) AMLCD glass substrate with dual opticalfunctionality (e.g., as glass substrate for a TFT layer and as a lightdiffuser, the latter substituted by linear/circular polarized function);(ii) safety glass with dual optical functionality (e.g., as a glasssubstrate with a high degree of transmissivity, and as a band-passfilter to cut-off/reduce radiation in unwanted regions of theelectromagnetic spectrum, such as UV (150-350 nm), short/mid IR (0.75-10μm), or any other electromagnetic band); (iii) environmental glass withdual functionality such as architectural glass, auto glass and otherapplications (e.g., as a glass substrate with a high transmissivity, andas a band-pass filter to cut-off UV and/or IR radiation).

In some examples, dual optical functionality, such as in an AMLCDsubstrate, provides a significant form factor advantage over a separateglass substrate built into the panel and separate light diffuser filter(e.g., as provided in known products by thin extruded polymer). The2-layer precision glass laminate articles describe herein, as a productof the 2-component vertical fusion draw process described herein, createnew distinguishing features as a display substrate and extends intofuture flexible displays where mechanical integration of a TFT substratewith display enhancing filter functions will be even more advantageous.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that variousmodifications and variations can be made without departing from thespirit or scope of the invention. Accordingly, the invention is not tobe restricted except in light of the attached claims and theirequivalents.

1. A laminated glass article comprising at least a first layer, a secondlayer fused to the first layer, and an optical property differencebetween the first layer and the second layer, wherein the opticalproperty difference comprises at least one of: (a) a transmissionprofile difference between a transmission profile of the first layer anda transmission profile of the second layer in a wavelength range from200 nm to 2500 nm; or (b) a light-polarizing difference, whereby thesecond layer is light-polarizing with respect to electromagneticirradiation in the wavelength range from 200 nm to 2500 nm; or (c) arefractive index difference between a refractive index n₁ of the firstlayer and a refractive index n₂ of the second layer of at least 0.005,wherein one of the first layer or the second layer comprises a baseglass composition and the other of the first layer or the second layercomprises the base glass composition and a dopant in an amountsufficient to cause the refractive index difference.
 2. A laminatedglass article according to claim 1, wherein each layer in the glassarticle has a thickness of at least 10 μm and at most 1600 μm. 3.(canceled)
 4. A laminated glass article according to claim 1, whereinthe first layer comprises a thickness of from 50 pm to 700 μm, and thesecond layer comprises a thickness of from 10 μm to 150 μm. 5.(canceled)
 6. A laminated glass article according to claim 1, wherein aratio of the thickness of the first layer to the thickness of the secondlayer is from 0.3 to
 70. 7. A laminated glass article according to claim1, wherein one of the first layer or the second layer comprises a baseglass composition and the other of the first layer or the second layercomprises the base glass composition and a dopant in an amountsufficient to cause the optical property difference.
 8. A laminatedglass article according to claim 1, wherein the optical propertydifference comprises the refractive index difference.
 9. (canceled) 10.A laminated glass article according to claim 1, wherein: the opticalproperty difference comprises the transmission profile difference; thefirst layer comprises a band-pass filter, a notch filter, or atransparent layer; and the second layer comprises a band-pass filter ora notch filter.
 11. A laminated glass article according to claim 1,wherein: the optical property difference comprises the light-polarizingdifference; the second layer is an outermost layer; and the first layeris non-light-polarizing with respect to electromagnetic irradiation inthe wavelength range of 200 nm to 2500 nm.
 12. A laminated glass articleaccording to claim 1, further comprising three dimensions: length (L),width (W) and thickness (T), the length being the largest dimension andthe thickness being the smallest dimension, wherein L/T≧300 and T≧50 μm.13. A laminated glass article according to claim 1, wherein at least oneof the first layer or the second layer comprises multiple inclusionshaving a refractive index different than a refractive index of therespective first layer or second layer, whereby light traveling throughthe respective first layer or the second layer is scattered by theinclusions.
 14. A laminated glass article according to claim 1, whereinan interface of the first layer and the second layer is uneven such thatlight traveling through one layer is reflected at the interface inmultiple directions.
 15. A laminated glass article according to claim 1,wherein at least one of the first layer or the second layer comprises aBragg grating.
 16. An optical device comprising a laminated glassarticle according to claim 1 and a plurality of semiconductor devicesdisposed on at least one major external surface of the laminated glassarticle.
 17. An optical device according to claim 16, wherein at leastpart of the plurality of semiconductor devices is formed by employing astep wherein the laminated glass article is subjected to a temperaturehigher than 400° C.
 18. An optical device according to claim 16, whereinan illumination source is coupled to an edge of at least one of thefirst layer or the second layer of the laminated glass article, suchthat light from the illumination source travels through the at least oneof the first layer or the second layer.
 19. An optical device accordingto claim 18, wherein the at least one of the first layer or the secondlayer is an external layer, and an external surface of the externallayer comprises a reflective surface.
 20. An optical device according toclaim 18, wherein at least part of the light traveling in the at leastone of the first layer or the second layer is subject to total internalreflection when reflected at the interface of an external surface of theat least one of the first layer or the second layer and an outsidemedium.
 21. An optical device according to claim 16, wherein the opticaldevice comprises at least one of an LCD display, a photovoltaic device,an optical filter, a flexible display, or a curved display. 22-30.(canceled)
 31. An overflow distributor apparatus comprising: adistributor portion comprising a trough divided into a first troughportion and a second trough portion by a partitioning wall, each of thefirst trough portion and the second trough portion comprising a top edgeadjacent to a respective one of a first sidewall of the distributorportion and a second sidewall of the distributor portion opposite thefirst sidewall; and a forming portion extending from the distributorportion, the forming portion comprising a first sidewall adjacent to thefirst sidewall of the distributor portion and a second sidewall oppositethe first sidewall of the forming portion and adjacent to the secondsidewall of the distributor portion, the first and second sidewalls ofthe forming portion converging with one another at a draw line; whereina volume of the first trough portion and a volume of the second troughportion are unequal.
 32. (canceled)
 33. The apparatus of claim 31,wherein the top edge of the first trough portion and the top edge of thesecond trough portion are angled with respect to a horizontal plane byangles α₁ and α₂, respectively, and α₁ and α₂ are unequal. 34.(canceled)
 35. The apparatus of claim 31, wherein a ratio of a thicknessof a first layer of a glass sheet formed using the overflow distributorto a thickness of a second layer of the glass sheet adjacent to thefirst layer depends on a ratio of the volume of the first trough portionto the volume of the second trough portion.